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£37.95The Year of the Dragon (Prestige Concert Band - Score only) - Sparke, Philip
The 2017 version of The Year of the Dragon was commissioned by the Siena Wind Orchestra and given its world premiere on June 17th 2017 in Bunkyo Civic Hall, Tokyo, conducted by the composer.The original wind band arrangement of The Year of the Dragon was made in 1985, a year after the composer wrote the brass band version. At that time he was still learning the intricacies of writing for wind band (and still is!) and in the 32 years which have elapsed since then, his approach to scoring for the medium has developed and, hopefully, improved.Here are the main differences between the two versions:In the 1980's, the wind band movement was much less international than it is now. British wind bands were still to some extent based on the military band tradition of the time, which tended to use rather smaller instrumentation than the then-dominant American university model. The new version embraces a much more international instrumentation, including low woodwinds and string bass, as well as an expanded percussion section.In the original version there was a touch of naivety in the way the composer wrote for the woodwinds; much of their articulation was transferred too literally from the brass version, resulting in some unidiomatic writing, which he has tried to improve in the new version.In addition to the above, Philip's own compositional style has matured and developed in the intervening 32 years. There are some passages in the original which he simply would not write today - not because they are 'wrong', but because his way of writing has changed. The new version is perhaps how he would have written it today, rather than simply dressing the original version in new clothes.The work is in three movements:Toccata opens with an arresting side drum figure and snatches of themes from various sections of the band, which try to develop until a broad and powerful theme from the middle of the band asserts itself. A central dance-like section soon gives way to the return of this theme, which subsides until faint echoes of the opening material fade to a close.Interlude takes the form of a sad and languid solo for alto saxophone. A chorale for the whole band introduces a brief spell of optimism but the saxophone solo returns to close the movement quietly.Finale is a real tour-de-force for the band with a stream of rapid semi-quavers running throughout the movement. The main theme is heroic and march-like but this is interspersed with lighter, more playful episodes. A distant fanfare to the sound of bells is introduced and this eventually returns to bring the work to a stirring close.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£199.95
The Year of the Dragon (Prestige Concert Band - Score and Parts) - Sparke, Philip
The 2017 version of The Year of the Dragon was commissioned by the Siena Wind Orchestra and given its world premiere on June 17th 2017 in Bunkyo Civic Hall, Tokyo, conducted by the composer.The original wind band arrangement of The Year of the Dragon was made in 1985, a year after the composer wrote the brass band version. At that time he was still learning the intricacies of writing for wind band (and still is!) and in the 32 years which have elapsed since then, his approach to scoring for the medium has developed and, hopefully, improved.Here are the main differences between the two versions:In the 1980's, the wind band movement was much less international than it is now. British wind bands were still to some extent based on the military band tradition of the time, which tended to use rather smaller instrumentation than the then-dominant American university model. The new version embraces a much more international instrumentation, including low woodwinds and string bass, as well as an expanded percussion section.In the original version there was a touch of naivety in the way the composer wrote for the woodwinds; much of their articulation was transferred too literally from the brass version, resulting in some unidiomatic writing, which he has tried to improve in the new version.In addition to the above, Philip's own compositional style has matured and developed in the intervening 32 years. There are some passages in the original which he simply would not write today - not because they are 'wrong', but because his way of writing has changed. The new version is perhaps how he would have written it today, rather than simply dressing the original version in new clothes.The work is in three movements:Toccata opens with an arresting side drum figure and snatches of themes from various sections of the band, which try to develop until a broad and powerful theme from the middle of the band asserts itself. A central dance-like section soon gives way to the return of this theme, which subsides until faint echoes of the opening material fade to a close.Interlude takes the form of a sad and languid solo for alto saxophone. A chorale for the whole band introduces a brief spell of optimism but the saxophone solo returns to close the movement quietly.Finale is a real tour-de-force for the band with a stream of rapid semi-quavers running throughout the movement. The main theme is heroic and march-like but this is interspersed with lighter, more playful episodes. A distant fanfare to the sound of bells is introduced and this eventually returns to bring the work to a stirring close.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£152.99Songs from Across the Water (Concert Band - Score and Parts) - Sparke, Philip
A Suite of British and Irish Folk Songs. Songs from Across the Water was commissioned by Pennsylvania Symphonic Winds - Phil Evans, Founder and Director. Phil Evans hails from the UK and served for 25 years in the Band of HM Royal Marines. Now resident in the USA he founded Pennsylvania Symphonic Winds in 2008, giving them the tag line An American Band with a British Accent, as he wanted to combine the best of both countries' band traditions. With this in mind, composer Philip Sparke decided to create a suite of British folk songs, scored with an American influence to fulfil the philosophy of the band's tag line. The three movements, which are played without a break, are based on the following folk songs, which come from all corners of the British Isles: The Three Ravens and The Cruiskeen Lawn, The Lark in the Clear Air and The Piper o' Dundee and Men of Harlech.Duration: 8.00
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£106.99The Way to Heaven (Concert Band - Score and Parts) - Sparke, Philip
The Way to Heaven (Droga do Nieba) was commissioned by the Royal Air Force Music Services. 2015 was the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, which took place between July and October 1940, when the courageous fighter pilots of the Royal Air Force thwarted Hitler's ambitions to launch an invasion on the UK. The Way to Heaven opens with fluttering woodwind figures and brass fanfares, which build to a climax before a change of key introduces a short quotation for the Polish National Anthem - Mazurek Dbrowskiego. This fades and you can hear the signal to scramble and the throaty sounds of the squadron's Merlin engines bursting into life before they line up to take off. This leads to the main thematic material of the work, which depicts the heaven-bound flight of 303 Squadron as it climbs to intercept the incoming Messerschmitt 109s. A brief allusion to the Polish national anthem brings the piece to a triumphant close.Duration: 4.30
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£159.99The Wall (Concert Band - Score and Parts) - Schwarz, Otto M.
The walls of Babylon, the Great Wall of China, the limes of the Roman Empire and the Berlin Wall are just a few examples of the walls mankind has built over past centuries. Today, building walls remains an issue, often under the pretext of 'protection' against intruders. This idea inspired Otto M. Schwarz to write a piece about the Roman limes between Germania and Rhaetia. From around 150 to 260 AD the wall faced numerous attacks. This programmatic work describes the events as they happened a long time ago, and addresses hope that these events belong to the past forever. The Wall is a work full of action in all-instrumental groups. This is an impressive piece with strong musical images, perfect for a contest or as an apotheosis in your concert.Duration: 11:00
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£118.99Town of the Seven Hills (Concert Band - Score and Parts) - De Haan, Jacob
This 4-movement suite tells the story of the beautiful French town 'Tulle' that was built on seven hills, just like Rome and Lisbon. The composer depicts the history of the town, as well as important events such as the bloodbath during World War II, the fabric 'tulle' after which the town is named and the festive annual fair. Since Tulle is also known for the production of accordions, the composer added an 'ad libitum' accordion part. A really charming and stylish concert or contest work! Duration: 9.00
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£137.99Call of the Aboriginals (Concert Band - Score and Parts) - Yagisawa, Satoshi
Call of the Aboriginals - Uluru - Kata Tjuta was commissioned by Nara Municipal Ichijo Senior High School Symphonic Band, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, Japan, to commemorate their 60th anniversary. Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, is an immense monolith rising in the vastness of the Australian outback. Famously also known as Ayers Rock, it is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. It is a sacred site for the Aboriginal people of the area, the Pitjantjatjara Anangu, but has also become a popular tourist destination, creating cultural and environmental conflicts. This work, which is written in a style typical of the composer, tells a dramatic tale adventure inspired by the life of the indigenous people and the magnificent scenery of Uluru. This work is suited for contests as well as thematic concerts. Duration: 7.45
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£104.99Along the Weser (Concert Band - Score and Parts) - De Haan, Jacob
Along the Weser, as the title suggests, is an homage to the river Weser, the beautiful waterway that meanders through Northern Germany. With its exuberant rhythms and lyrical melodic lines, the work mirrors the strong bond between the inhabitants of the region and the river itself. The connecting thread is the melody of the well-known 'An der Weser', composed by Gustav Pressel to lyrics by Franz von Dingelstedt, which has been incorporated in three different ways. The result is a composition that is sure to be enjoyed by both musicians and audience alike. Duration: 5.30
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£141.99Wind in the Reeds (Bassoon or Baritone Saxophone Solo with Concert Band - Score and Parts) - Sparke, Philip
Wind in the Reeds was commissioned by Deena Draycott in memory of John Watson, an army bandsman, teacher and bassoonist. Wind in the Reeds is both a tribute and lasting memorial to John. The piece is largely pastoral in nature, evoking images conjured up by the 'play on words' in the title, but includes a faster central section which exploits other aspects of the character of the bassoon. Transitions between the various sections of the piece are achieved through a series of accompanied cadenzas for the soloist. Duration: 6.45
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£152.99The Legend of Spirit Island (Euphonium Solo with Concert Band - Score and Parts) - Sparke, Philip
The Legend of Spirit Island was commissioned by the Twin Ports Wind Orchestra, Duluth, Minnesota (Mark Whitlock, conductor), to honour the euphonium player, Dick Carlson. The piece takes its title from a local legend about Spirit Island, which lies in a gap of the St. Louis River called Spirit Lake. The legend tells the story of Chaska, the son of a Dakota Chief, and Wetona, the daughter of Ojibwe Chief Buckado. He was handsome and she was beautiful; it wasn't long before they fell in love. This is a challenging euphonium solo in which the versatile soloist can explore very expressive melodic sequences, as well as energetic, technical sections. Duration: 8.00
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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